What Does it Mean to be Alive

As we start to our explore biology we have had some fascinating conversations about what makes something alive.

Here is a video we watched on some of the complexity of defining life.

Watch and think about how you would define life.

What characteristics/qualities would something have to have in order to be considered alive?



We also watched this video on the characteristics of living things:

Now choose “something” that doesn’t fit nicely into the classifications of living or nonliving.  Possible examples include:

• The Earth
• Viruses
• Artificial Intelligence
• Fire
• Someone on Life support

Your job is to provide: 

At least 3 arguments explaining why your organism is “living”

At least 3 arguments explaining why your organism is “non-living”

This part can be done at 6 detailed point form sentences.  Give your reason, and then explain it.

A final decision

After analyzing your reasons come to a final determination whether your topic should be considered living or nonliving.  Make sure you support your decision with specific reasons. Your final argument needs to be based on the defined characteristics of life.  You can also include your own ideas about what it means to be alive.

You need to create a short convincing argument that you will present to your peers (small or large group), that convinces them of your decision.  Be prepared to present this argument to the class.

You will have a more class time to work on this and we will pick a day that you will share.